“Celebrity Apprentice” Marlee Matlin helps make hearing tests

16 Pages·2011·3.66 MB·English

A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet
catch it early Age-related factors
Know the risks to How your hearing
reduce the damage needs will change
hEARing hEALth
5
A TRUE
HEARING AID
TIPS
FOR HEALTHY
EARS
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NT “Celebrity Apprentice” Marlee Matlin helps make hearing
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EL tests possible for people around the world
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2 · MAy 2011 A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet
ChALLEngEs
WE RECOMMEND
How I hear
robert
chamberland’s
story of living with
profound
hearing loss.
pAge 5
“since a hearing aid
is a sound amplifi ca-
tion device, you would
think it would solve the
problem of hearing
loss. but this simply is
not true.”
Can it be cured? p. 10
Once hearing loss is gone —is it gone for
good?
Stifling stigma p. 12
How to face the implications of living with
hearing loss.
With an aging population, hearing loss is a growing concern for
everyone. Whether you are taking steps to prevent damange, or are
relearning to communicate with a loved one, it is important to understand
the tcondition that eventually affects us all.
HeAring HeAltH
Listen up and learn 1st editiOn, MAy 2011
Responsible for this issue:
Publisher: David Shoemaker
[email protected]
Designer: Penelope Graham
[email protected]
about hearing loss Contributors: Rex Banks, Robert
Chamberland, Marshall Chasin, Kate
Dekok, Susanne Gillespie, Gael Hannan,
Jean Holden, Marjo Johne, Dr. Anil
Katyal, David Lee, Dr. Vincent Lin, Shane
Moodie, Jodi Ostroff, Kathy Pichura-Fuller,
Conner Quinn, Brittany Randell, Shelley
Randell, Susan Stanton, Peter
h Stelmacovich, Ted Venema
earing loss has cifi cally called a “middle ear infec- ally adjust themselves in the presence
Managing Director: Gustav Aspegren
frequently been tion”. This type of pressure or fl uid of background noise can be very use-
[email protected]
called the invisible build-up in the middle ear can be ful. Assistive listening devices such as Editorial Manager: Jackie McDermott
[email protected]
handicap. quite painful but is treatable either wireless FM systems bring the speech
Title Developer: David Shoemaker
It is something by medication or minor ear surgery. closer to the listener and can be very [email protected]
Business Developer: Chris Vassallo
that is very grad- This type of hearing loss is called helpful at theatres and other noisi-
[email protected]
ual, typically pain- conductive because it interrupts the er locations. And not everything that
Photo credit: All images are from iStock.com unless
less, and is more often than not mis- conduction of sound to our ears. we “hear” is heard. Knowing the con- otherwise accredited.
taken for something else. People text or topic of the speech allows us to
with hearing loss may report ring- Fading over time fi ll in the blanks. The same can be said Distributed within:
Toronto Star, May 2011
ing in their ears, increased fatigue, In contrast to a conductive hearing for using your vision (or lipreading)
This section was created by Mediaplanet
especially later in the day, or be loss, problems of the inner ear and to supplement what may be missed. and did not involve the Toronto Star or its
Marshall Chasin, AuD. Editorial Departments.
under the impression that they can beyond are called a sensori-neur- director of research, Those sounds that are frequently mis-
only hear OK; it’s just that people al hearing loss. This is typically not Musicians’ clinics of canada sing with sensori-neural hearing loss
MY BEST TIPS
mumble. Many people don’t men- medically treatable, is painless, and are those very sounds that are visible
tion it to their friends, family or unlike a conductive hearing loss on the speaker’s lips. Facing someone
physicians fearing that their lack that can start during a cold or im- Hearing loss is gradual and is not just good manners—it’s good for
of understanding or lack of clarity mediately after an airplane fl ight, is painless. Friends and family communication as well. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND
of speech is some sort of cognitive very gradual in progression. Sensori- frequently notice it before In this report, you will fi nd great TWITTER!
www.facebook.com/MediaplanetCA
decline. For all of these reasons it is neural hearing loss may take years to the person who has it does. examples of good communication www.twitter.com/MediaplanetCA
diffi cult to get an exact estimate of notice and more often than not af- with deaf and the hard of hearing. Ac-
Mediaplanet’s business is to create new
the number of people with hearing fects the higher pitched consonant 1 Initial signs of hearing loss tress Marlee Matlin has shared her customers for our advertisers by providing
loss. Conservative estimates suggest sounds fi rst. Sounds such as “s”, “sh”, are that you may notice that story and is an inspiration to others readers with high-quality content
that motivates them to act.
that about three to four million Can- “f”, and “th” contribute most of the people mumble or speech is not with profound hearing loss. Her use
adians or one in 10 Canadians have clarity of speech and this is usually clear, as well as tinnitus or ringing of American Sign Language (or ASL)
a signifi cant enough hearing loss to the case for most languages spoken in the ears. on television and in movies has dem-
warrant intervention. in the world. People with this type onstrated the rich cultural heritage
of hearing loss would report that 2 While speaking with some- of the deaf community. Peter Stelma-
Deafness denial they can hear fi ne but that people one who has a hearing loss, covich is another communication star
WHAT’S UP DOC?
More often than not, hearing loss is mumble. face them so that they will have with hearing aids, some really impres-
Hearing doctors and
noticed by others long before a per- Examples of sensori-neural hear- the best chance of lipreading sive technical devices and an amazing
their specialties
son realizes or admits that they are ing loss are noise and music expos- speech cues visible on people’s hearing-ear dog. Peter can communi-
experiencing it. When people are ure, hearing loss associated with faces. cate more eff ectively than many with ■ ENTs, also known as otolaryn-
seen for a hearing assessment the aging, and very rarely, certain medi- normal hearing abilities. gologist-head and neck surgeons,
fi rst comment is typically, “My wife cations. Some forms of sensori-neur- 3 When in a noisy place such I invite you to explore this 16-page are medical doctors who specialize
sent me in—she thinks I can’t hear al hearing loss are preventable—sim- as a restaurant, sit with your report and discover the importance of in head and neck disorders, aff ect-
her.” So why is hearing loss so fre- ply turning down the music or lis- back to a wall- this serves to mini- preventing hearing loss and manag- ing the ears, nose and throat. ENTs
quently misunderstood or thought tening less often—while others are mize the sound from behind you ing a sensory defi cit that aff ects three with specialty training can cure ear-
to be something else? Part of the an- inevitable and associated with aging. covering up what you want to hear. to four million Canadians—maybe related disease and infection, repair
swer is related to the various mech- even you. I encourage you to learn the deformities and restore hearing
anisms of hearing loss. Know your options 4 Speak slower, not louder, to a insight this report provides on issues through micro-surgery.
A primary reason for a visit to a Treatment of people with sensori- hard of hearing person. such as noise induced hearing loss, ■ Audiologists assess and diagnose
paediatrician or an emergency room neural hearing loss can be multi- tinnitus and the number one risk; age hearing diffi culties, select and fi t
is an ear infection. This is more spe- faceted. Hearing aids that automatic- related hearing loss. hearing aids, and develop rehabili-
tation strategies for patients with
the noisy culprit behind hearing loss. Audiologists work in
various settings including private
clinics, schools, hospitals, govern-
ment and universities. Some are
hearing loss
also involved in research and pub-
lic education promoting hearing
health.
■ Speech-language pathologists
Bill Hodgetts often shakes tivities.” noise and hearing loss, which is a your ears—a telltale sign of exposure help adults and children with
his head when he thinks of Noise is one of the leading caus- shame because noise-induced hear- to loud noise. speech, language, voice and swal-
people all geared up to go es of hearing loss. There are no Can- ing loss is almost a hundred per cent “Assuming it’s a one-time expos- lowing disorders through interven-
snowmobiling, drive their adian statistics tracking noise-in- preventable,” he says. ure, in about eight to 16 hours the tions that include prevention, coun-
all terrain vehicle or tackle a duced hearing loss. But south of the hair cells will come back to life, but seling, treatment, management and
woodworking project. border, one in three of the 36 mil- Ease up on the drums if they’re not given time to recover, rehabilitation. There are more than
lion Americans with hearing loss de- In its position paper on noise pol- they’ll just die.” 7,300 speech-language pathologists
“They’ve got helmets, goggles and veloped their condition because of lution, the Canadian Hearing Soci- It’s also a good idea to always have in Canada working within a multi-
gloves on, which is great,” says exposure to noise, according to the ety proposes a noise control strat- on hand a pair of earplugs, which disciplinary team. A doctor’s refer-
Hodgetts, assistant professor of American Academy of Audiology. egy founded on three Rs: removing most drugstores today sell for just a ral is not necessary to see a speech-
speech pathology and audiology at as much noise as possible from the few dollars, says Hodgetts. language pathologist.
the University of Alberta, and pro- Pay attention to the back- environment, reducing the amount But in a pinch, he suggests using ■ Hearing instrument special-
gram director of bone conduction ground noise of noise that enters in the listening small, balled-up pieces of toilet ists work to select and fi t hearing
amplifi cation at the Institute for Re- Dino Sophocleous, president of the space, and resting the ears after ex- paper or facial tissue. aids and other assistive devices.
constructive Sciences in Medicine, Toronto-based Hearing Foundation posure to loud noise to give the hear- “It’s a really easy thing to do, a They also have a solid understand-
a joint initiative of the University of of Canada, says lack of awareness is ing system a chance to recover. simple strategy that can make such ing of acoustics, sound perception
Alberta, Caritas Health Group and one of the key culprits behind the “It helps to take a break,” agrees a big diff erence,” he says. and physiology of the ear. Hear-
Capital Health. “But they’re all mis- high prevalence of noise-induced Hodgetts. “When you’ve been ex- ing instrument specialists work in
sing the same thing—they’ve got hearing loss. posed to loud noise, the outer hair various settings, including private
nothing to protect their ears from “People today are still not making cells in your ears get tired and lay practice and hospitals.
the noise associated with these ac- the connection between excessive down, resulting in that ringing in MARJO JOHNE MARJO JOHNE
[email protected] [email protected]
A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet MAy 2011 · 3
Advertorial
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“Alone we can’t do much. But, together we can change the world.”
Starkey Hearing Foundation founder William F. Austin
Globally, there are approximately 63 million hearing
impaired children.
Every year, more than 50,000 hearing aids are delivered
through over 100 Starkey Hearing Foundation Missions
around the world.
Marlee Matlin on a Hearing
Foundation Mission in Kenya.
Since 1984, the Starkey Hearing Foundation has fitted
approximately 500,000 hearing aids and devices around
the world.
These numbers will continue to grow and all because of
donations from people like you.
Help give the gift of hearing.
Starkey Canada is a proud supporter of the Starkey Hearing Foundation.
Our Mission:
Change the social consciousness of hearing and hearing matters through education
and research while providing the gift of hearing to those in need around the world.
Marlee Matlin photos courtesy of Kevin Grandalski. www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org
4 · MAy 2011 A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet
RisK FACtORs
DON’T MISS!
TIP
Hearing loss in
the workplace
PREVENTION IS
THE BEST WAY
TO COUNTER ■ The Accessibility for Ontarians
NOISE-INDUCED
HEARING LOSS with Disabilities Act (AODA) be-
came law in 2005.
The Act is a fi rst—unique in On-
tario’s and Canada’s history—prom-
ising an Ontario that is accessible to
all persons with disabilities by 2025.
The law is setting new standards
and timelines for implementation
and applies to information and
communication, the built environ-
ment, employment, transportation,
and customer service (standard al-
ready enacted). It addresses policy
as well as the removal of practical
and attitudinal barriers.
The Canadian Hearing Society
has been actively involved in the
implementation of the AODA repre-
senting the interests of Deaf people
and people with hearing loss on the
Standards Development Commit-
tees.
What you need to know is that
people with hearing loss have
the right to not be discriminated
against based on their hearing abil-
ity, and the right to not be denied ac-
cess to information and communi-
cation, goods and services, transpor-
tation, buildings, and employment.
For those of us not experiencing
hearing loss, it’s important that we
take the measures to prevent indus-
Are you at high risk trial induced hearing loss.
Noise deafness still ranks high in
occupational diseases. Many em-
ployees assume the employer alone
is responsible for the protection of
the employee’s hearing however
for hearing loss?
this is only partially correct: The
employer is responsible primarily
for the reduction of sources of noise
on the job but it’s up to you to ensure
proper use of hearing protecters.
■ Question: What’s the best they lost their hearing. There are two types of
“it’s much better to
way to minimize your risk of hearing protectors:
developing hearing loss? take the steps now Protect the noggin ■ Passive ear muffs dampen
■ Answer: turning down the to prevent hearing Head trauma can also cause hearing all sound, which means that all
volume helps—the earlier, the loss, says Pichora-Fuller, even when noises are reduced as they pass th-
loss than to deal
better. the ear hasn’t been damaged. rough the ear muff s. It is important
with it later.” “The sound may start in your ear that the hearing protection used
but it has to get to your brain, so hear- provides enough attenuation to
SHOWCASE
ing really is connected to various parts protect the hearing. But it is also
About 1.2 million Canadians Kathy Pichora-Fuller of the brain,” she says. “If your skull important that it doesn’t give atte-
Adjunct scientist,
aged 15 or older have some toronto rehabilitation institute gets shaken up and you have a trau- nuation so high that you are over-
form of hearing limitation, matic brain injury, then you can ex- protected.
according to a 2006 survey Harvard Medical School Massachu- ear-related conditions or disorders, perience neural degeneration that Overprotection can prevent you
by Statistics Canada. setts Eye & Ear Infi rmary, also sug- such as ear infections, Ménière’s dis- could aff ect your hearing.” from hearing your workmates,
gests that hearing loss may be more ease—which aff ects the inner ear and There are other possible causes of alarms and other important sig-
While hearing loss is not always pre- likely or worse in older people who causes symptoms such as vertigo and hearing loss that researchers are still nals. The recommended sound level
ventable, understanding the risk were exposed to loud noise during ringing in the ears—and ostosclerois, trying to fi gure out, says Pichora-Ful- under the hearing protector is be-
factors behind this serious condi- their youth. an abnormal growth of bone in the ler, including the role of genetics. Sci- tween 70 – 80 dB.
tion is an important fi rst step in pro- Two conditions that are large- middle ear. entists recently discovered a gene ■ Active [electronic] ear muff s
tecting your hearing. ly preventable, diabetes and cardio- Of the 36 million Americans who called GJB2, which contains the in- with a built-in electronic circuit li-
“It’s much better to take the steps vascular disease, can also lead to have problems with hearing, one structions for a protein that aff ects the mit noise but let you hold normal
now to prevent hearing loss than hearing loss. Other causes include in three say loud noise is the reason functioning of the cochlea, that snail- conversation with other people—
to deal with it later,” says Kathy like tube in the middle ear that trans- without having to remove your
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS?
Pichora-Fuller, an adjunct scien- mits incoming sounds as nerve sig- hearing protector. Built-in level de-
tist at the Toronto Rehabilitation nals to the brain. Changes to the GJB2 pendent amplifi cation amplifi es
Institute and professor of psychol- Hearing loss isn’t just an ol- ing Foundation of Canada, which gene can lead to hearing loss, with the speech and other harmless sounds
ogy at the University of Toronto in der person’s disease. Ba- runs Sounds Sense, a program likelihood increasing for babies who while protecting against harmful
Mississauga. bies, children and teens are that educates elementary school have two copies—one from each par- sound levels. To prevent harmful
also affected by hearing loss. children about hearing loss. “The ent—of the changed gene. noise levels, the internal speaker
Turn it down— problem is growing.” “There’s so much more for us to output is limited to 82 dB.
while you still can “One in fi ve teenagers now have The main culprit: noise—from learn,” says Pichora-Fuller. “But we’re The choice of the correct hearing
Hearing loss can be caused by various some hearing loss, according MP3 players, concerts and clubs. continuing to look for answers and protection depends on the kind of
reasons. Age, says Pichora-Fuller, has to a study by the Journal of the Sophocleous says young people we’ll get there.” noise arising and also on working
long been recognized as one of the American Medical Association,” need to either turn it down, conditions. The following factors
leading causes. But recent research says Dino Sophocleous, presi- minimize exposure to loud noise, MARJO JOHNE play a role in the selection of correct
by Charles Liberman, a professor at dent of the Toronto-based Hear- or wear protective ear plugs. [email protected] protection for the ears:
■ Exactness of fit: The ear must
be completely sealed.
the inner workings of tinnitus ■ Effectiveness: The noise
must be absorbed eff ectively.
■ Comfort: Since the hearing
protection must be worn all the ti-
For some people, it’s a mere terized by noise coming from with- would typically refer the case to an its combination of stress reduc- me that a high noise level prevails,
nuisance—a faint noise insi- in the ear. The Tinnitus Association ear, nose and throat specialist. tion strategies, low-level neutral it must be as light and comfortable
de their heads they of Canada notes that 50 diff erent “It’s important to fi rst identify if sound and ongoing educational as possible.
eventually learn to ignore. sounds have been reported by people there is anything going on medic- counseling. ■ Easy handling: The hearing
with tinnitus, ranging from ringing ally,” she says. “A critical part of this “Education is really eff ective in protection must be practical and
For others, it’s an unrelenting sen- and clicking to hissing, sizzling and discovery process is an audiological the management of tinnitus,” says easy to use.
sory attack that often leads to de- roaring. assessment by an audiologist.” Ciurlia-Guy, whose clinic special- ■ Compatibility: Other
pression or high levels of frustration. In a rare manifestation of this Treatment for tinnitus varies ac- izes in tinnitus re-training ther- safety devices must also be able
Tinnitus, the Latin word for “ring- condition, called objective tinnitus, cording to the severity and nature apy. “By giving people a better to be worn at the same time, such
ing”, aff ects more than 360,000 Can- the sound is also audible to other of the condition. Some practitioners understanding of tinnitus, we can as helmets, eye protectors, face
adians, according to the Tinnitus As- people. recommend a “masker” that drowns help them better control and man- shields or respirators.
sociation of Canada. About 150,000 out the tinnitus sound with another, age their condition.”
of these tinnitus suff erers say their Getting to the source more pleasant sound, such as run-
condition seriously interferes with Enza Ciurlia-Guy, an audiologist at ning water.
their ability to function and enjoy the Canadian Tinnitus & Hyperacu- The Canadian Tinnitus Asso-
their lives. sis Centre in Whitby, Ontario, says ciation singles out tinnitus re-
courtesy of MsA – the safety company &
Often accompanied by hearing the fi rst step toward addressing tin- training therapy as an eff ective MARJO JOHNE the canadian Hearing society
loss, tinnitus is generally charac- nitus is to see a family doctor, who sound-based treatment, citing [email protected]
[email protected]
A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet MAy 2011 · 5
insight
how i hear: coping
with conversation
i
have a profound hearing loss— “pitcher,” with no obvious connec- painting.” Painting! Ah-ha! Major I now have a choice. I can ask you to repeat the last part or gamble
80 percent in my left ear, 100 per- tion to what was being discussed clue, time to reprocess. and guess what you’ve just said. It
cent in my right. The hearing aid before, no clue how things transi- This occurs in my mind as you’re seems likely you said “we should def-
I wear has a miniature sound can- tioned to this topic, and it’ll take a still talking: “Remember when “since a initely go again.” I respond, “Oh yes,
cellation chamber to solve the few moments before you’re certain we went to [vee-nay oomsum] (a for sure!” Often I can have a seem-
hearing aid is a
problem of feedback and echo the conversation has really moved place with paintings) and saw that ingly successful conversation even
associated with especially loud on to baseball and you’re not just [rambam] (a name of a painting, sound while missing whole tracts of it; I’m
hearing aids. imagining it. two syllables starts with R, pos- used to it.
amplification
sibly Rembrandt, Raphael or Ru- Of course, you could have been
Since a hearing aid is a sound ampli- Sorry... Can you repeat that? bens.)” device, you asking me a question, in which case
fication device, you would think it But it gets worse. Suppose I have Meanwhile, I’m taking in your you might now be looking at me
would think it
would solve the problem of hearing your undivided attention; you and next sentence, but this time I have strangely—a look I know well, the
loss, but this is simply not true. I are the only ones in a quiet room, a bit more of a clue what you’re would solve the one which says “that was an un-
There is so much involved in hear- and there is no noise or distraction talking about: “Oh, the collars (ob- usual response.” Then I’ll know I’ve
problem of
ing that most people take for grant- (optimum hearing conditions). viously colours, I hope), the lines, missed something and will ask you
ed. For instance, you need two Even though I can hear every word the useflytenshedo (yikes).” hearing loss, but to repeat.
ears to determine the direction of you’ve said, it’s likely I’ll only Third pass, mind racing: “Re- Or you could have been asking
this simply is not
a sound. If you only have one and understand anywhere from 30 per- member when we went to (logical me to buy tickets to the museum,
you’re in a group conversation you’ll cent to 70 percent of them. deduction, I’ve never seen a Raph- true.” in which case I’ve just answered af-
be doing as I do, constantly scanning This is because I don’t hear with ael or Rubens, plus rambam sounds firmatively and there’s no hint for
the room for the source of the sound the same clarity as someone who is more like Rembrandt. Where did I either of us that I completely mis-
—only to find it moving again just as hearing. What I understand looks see Rembrandt? Now I remember, understood.
you’ve found it. like this: “Rob, remember ww- the Victoria and Albert Museum, You’ll walk away thinking I’m
If, like me, you also depend heav- mmmphwed to veeenay oomsum also known as the “V and A”—that going to buy tickets, I’ll walk away
ily on speechreading then this is and saw the rambam? Wasn’t dot explains the vee-nay oomsum)”. thinking we’ve just had a pleasant
especially difficult, as not only will an incred-immmul painting?” And Meanwhile, you’re now onto conversation about a painting we
you be chasing the elusive conversa- I’ll politely smile and nod while your third sentence, which I’m once saw.
tion from one person to another, but trying to decipher what you’ve taking in, but now I have enough Perhaps the best thing you could
when you do track down each speak- said. It will look like this in my clues to process your second sen- do is double check—make sure I
er, they’ll already be well into their head: tence: “Oh, the colours, the lines, understood I’m buying tickets, to
discourse, and you’ve missed the “Rob, remember [wwmmpmph- the [useflytenshedo] (Ok, Rem- the V and A, to see Rembrandt, on
opening context of their remarks. wed]” (A proper name? Verb? Wed? brandt was known for colours, such and such a date. Most people
Sounded like ‘when’? ‘When we good lines, um...could lytenshedo would find such a conversation
Following secret clues went’ would be consistent with could be light and shadow? Yes! strange. After all why was I nod-
That context of conversation is cru- ‘remember’) “to [vee-nay]” (Un- “Use of light and shadow”). ding and smiling if I didn’t really
cial, since you can move from dis- known, move on.) “[oomsum]” understand? I even said “for sure!”
cussing, say, work, a familiar topic (A place we went to? Maybe ‘mu- Filling in the blanks with great conviction. But that’s the
with a familiar terminology, to a seum’?) “and saw the [rambam]?” At this point, because I was in my thing—how can I know I misunder-
completely different topic which, (What did I see that sounds like thoughts, I missed most of your stood? How can either of us?
with few clues—could be literally rambam?) “Wasn’t dot an [incred- third sentence and only just caught Robert Chamberland On the other hand, how about
anything. You could unexpected- immul] (not many words begin the ending: “…[one syllable] [four Web Architect those Toronto Blue Jays? They sure
the canadian Hearing society
ly encounter words like “RBI” and with ‘incred’, must be ‘incredible’) syllables] [one syllable] again.” know how to use light and shadow!
This May, everyone can benefit
from improved hearing!
Visit your Certified Hearing Health Care Professional today to book
your no-cost hearing test and get on the path to improved hearing.
All of our hearing aids include:
3
Unlimited in-house servicing of your
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3 year supply of hearing aid batteries.
3
3 year hearing aid manufacturer
warranty, including repairs.†
3
2 year hearing aid loss and
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3
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6 · MAy 2011 A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet
tEChnOLOgiCAL ADVAnCEMEnts
TIP
KNOW YOUR
MOST
INNOVATIVE
SOLUTIONS
the digital age of
hearing aids
When you think about vision sounds extensively, and loud sounds don’t. Some digital hearing aids Tech toys
and wearing glasses, what is minimally, or not at all. The word for give more amplifi cation to speech- Other advancements in digit-
your first impression? Once this is “compression,” and all digital like sounds and others give less al hearing aids include Bluetooth
considered a “nerdy” acces- hearing technology today uses it. amplifi cation to noise-like sounds. and wi-fi technology. Bluetooth al-
sory, glasses are now fashio- The jury is out on whether these lows link-up to other devices like
nable—they imply that an in- Tuning out techniques really improve hear- telephones and iPods. It also allows
dividual is smart or studious; Separating background noise from ing speech in noise but one thing is hearing aids to communicate with
they’re cool, even geek chic. speech is what listeners with hear- certain; DNR surely makes listen- each other, so that adjusting the vol-
ing aids want; however, this is eas- ing in noise more comfortable. ume on one hearing aid automatic-
However, the loss of vision to some Ted Venema PhD ier said than done. One way is for Another digital feature, Auto- ally adjusts the same on the hear-
Hearing instrument specialist program
degree is exactly like the loss of hear- conestoga college the hearing aids to use Direction- matic Feedback Reduction, is a ing aid for the opposite ear. In short,
ing—so why does everyone fear the “the technological al Microphones (Dmics). On hear- way to deal with the awful whist- the line between hearing aids and
stigma of a hearing aid? The fact is ing aids, these are tiny special- ling that can occur with hear- other listening devices is fast be-
advancements in
that hearing aids are sleek, stylish, ized microphones, about the size ing aids. Feedback occurs when a coming blurred—a good thing for
and off er a variety of technological hearing aids, of a pinhole. Compared to regu- microphone is placed too close to the emerging, bulging, baby-boomer
advancements. accessories and lar microphones found in hear- a speaker. Sounds from the speaker population.
ing aids, Dmics are less sensitive get picked up by the microphone, The technological advancements
other assistant
The digital age to sounds coming from the sides sent on to the speaker, picked up by in hearing aids, accessories, and other
Today’s hearing aids are almost all listening devices is and behind. This way, one hears the microphone and the circle goes assistive listening devices is stagger-
digital. They are programmed on staggering.” less background noise. Digital on and on—the result of which is ing. From lights in your home that
computer software to give bass, Noise Reduction (DNR) is another a sharp and constant whistle. In fl icker when the doorbell rings, FM
treble, or any other pitch required way to help improve picking up hearing aids, the whistling results transmitters that allow students at
for any particular hearing loss. There ground noise. speech through noise. Most nois- from high pitches that can leak the back of a class to seem right next
are lots of features that digital tech- Hearing loss prevents one from es, like fans, air conditioners, etc., out between the hearing aid and to their teacher’s voice, to connectiv-
nology provides, but let’s start at the hearing soft sounds. What most have a steady loudness. Speech, the walls of one’s ear canal. These ity systems that allow the user to con-
beginning. Today’s digital hearing people don’t realize is that loud and on the other hand, is diff erent be- sounds get picked up by the hear- nect wirelessly to the tv, computer or
aids have a job where they have to obnoxious sounds to those with nor- cause it constantly changes from ing aid microphone, and the circle mobile phone, technology is making
do two things: 1) amplify sounds to mal hearing are also loud and ob- soft to loud to soft. DNR uses these begins. Digital technology can can- the stigma and interruption in nor-
be heard by those with hearing loss, noxious to those with hearing loss! characteristics to diff erentiate the cel out this feedback before it gets mal daily function associated with
and 2) separate speech from back- So, hearing aids must amplify soft speech you want and the noise you started. hearing loss a thing of the past.
A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet MAy 2011 · 7
tEChnOLOgiCAL ADVAnCEMEnts
how do cochlear
DON’T MISS!
implants work?
Age: the
number one
Sound is captured by the microphone
reason for
on the sound processor.
hearing loss
The sound processor converts sound
into detailed digital information.
The magnetic headpiece sends
the digital signals to the cochlear Once people enter their
implant. 70s, two-thirds will have
hearing loss.
The cochlear implant sends
electrical signals to the
By age 90, ninety percent will
hearing nerve.
have hearing loss. The number of
seniors in Ontario experiencing
The hearing nerve sends
hearing loss is projected to more
impulses to the brain, where they
than double in the next 20 years.
are interpreted as sound.
1.8 million Ontario seniors were
aff ected by hearing loss in 2009.
That number is estimated to go
as high as 3.7 million by 2030. The
IMAGE COURTESY OF: ADVANCED BIONICS
impact of hearing loss can be sub-
stantial for seniors: dependence
Question: What are your options when hearing
on social and health care services
can be signifi cant; misdiagnosis
aids no longer prove eff ective?
and not following health recom-
mendations can exacerbate the
Answer: Cochlear implants may provide the
problem.
An 83-year-old widow living
clarity you need. alone in a rural area who was
headed for a long-term care home
was diagnosed with hearing loss.
Cochlear Hearing aids and hearing coun-
seling meant that she was able to
move into a downtown apartment
instead. Stories like this are no
surprise when one notes that one
implants bring hearing of the leading reasons for admis-
sion to long term care facilities in-
cludes social isolation and a lack
of communication which is often
a result of unmanaged hearing de-
back—and quality of life
cline. We need to get the message
out to families, health profession-
als and seniors to make hearing
health a routine priority in man-
aging their aging process before
they all did, except for my son, plains Dr. Vince Lin, an otolaryn- Advancements continue in this we are hit with a tidal wave of
EXAMPLE
whose voice had changed and didn’t gologist—also known as a head technology as companies like Phon- preventable impacts.
Michel David will never for- sound like a kid anymore.” and neck surgeon—at Sunnybrook ak and Advanced Bionics partner
get that day in April seven Sometimes referred to as a bionic Health Sciences Centre in Toron- their efforts toward researching
years ago when he heard ear, a cochlear implant is a tiny elec- to, which has performed more than ways to combine hearing aid and
his children’s voices for the tronic device that uses electrical sig- 1,000 cochlear implants in the last implant technologies.
first time. He had just had a nals to stimulate the cochlea, the 30 years. “Although it does not re- Not everyone is a candidate for
cochlear implant put in and snail-like tube inside the ear. It has store hearing, what it does for many a cochlear implant. Because it re-
was amazed to finally hear two main parts: an “implant pack- people is restore quality of life.” quires anesthetic, it is generally not
his five children speak. age” that goes under the skin with a recommended for people with ad-
wire leading to the cochlea, and an Restoring quality of life vanced diseases, says Lin. It is also
“It was a terrifi c moment,” says external speech processor that sits Many children who receive coch- not for people who can hear sounds
David, who works as a project lead behind the ear. lear implants are able to go to with a hearing aid.
at the Canadian Hard of Hearing regular schools, according to Lin.
Association in Ottawa. “Strange- Now hear this Adult patients tend to report bet-
DAVID LEE
ly enough, I had imagined each of “What a cochlear implant does is ter performance on the job and MARJO JOHNE
[email protected]
them to sound a certain way and help with hearing perception,” ex- improved family and social lives. [email protected]
Hearing TesTs Hearing aids Hearing ProTecTion earPHones & moniTors
To try the latest hearing aid technology absolutely
free for 30 days, contact the office nearest you!
586 eglinton ave east 1 110 sheppard ave east
416 484 4327 416 628 3759
www.heartoronto.ca
8 · MAy 2011 A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet
insPiRAtiOn
Losing her hearing as an infant hasn’t slowed down Academy
Award winner Marlee Matlin. The fi rst Deaf actress to garner
such an award, she is now raking in big bucks for a charitable
cause on “The Celebrity Apprentice.”
Marlee Matlin shows
em’ who’s boss
bonus to give to their charity. So far, Matlin has been success- viewed it as some sort of disabil-
LEADER TO LEADER PROFILE
ful with her mission, even break- ity put up,” she says. “I achieved
She captured everyone’s heart in Spreading the power to listen ing records by raising $1 million success by applying the formula I
“Children of a Lesser God”, a ro- Matlin has chosen to champion the Star- in a single day. But raising money believe should be taught in every
mantic drama centred on a Deaf key Hearing Foundation, which provides isn’t the only thing she’s suc- school: courage plus dreams equal
woman named Sarah, who is free hearing aids to deaf and hard-of-hear- ceeding at—her appearance on success.”
brought out of her insular existen- ing people around the world who cannot “Celebrity Apprentice” is raising “I gathered up the courage to
ce by a speech teacher who en- aff ord them. awareness about the hundreds of dream whatever dream I had
courages her to learn to talk. “The Starkey Hearing foundation is im- thousands of people around the despite what others thought
portant to me because every child they fi t world who have a hearing loss but I couldn’t do and applied it to
Today, 25 years after that Oscar-winning with a hearing aid as a result of the money cannot get fi nancial help to buy a achieve success. In other words,
performance—an achievement made even that is donated to distribute free hearing PHOTO: MICHAEL ROSENTHAL hearing aid. I just did it and refused to let the
Marlee Matlin
greater by the fact that she was the young- aids reminds me of myself,” says Matlin, barriers that were in people’s
est and only deaf actress to win the Acad- who lives in the Los Angeles area with her ■ Position: The possibilities are minds—not the one they saw in
emy Award for best actress—Marlee Matlin husband and four children. “Fortunately, Actress, author, loud and clear my ears—get in my way.”
continues to charm and amaze audiences my family was able to aff ord hearing aids charitable Matlin, who lost her hearing when For young people experiencing
around the world. for me when I was growing up and I am advocate she was 18 months old, landed her hearing loss, Matlin off ers this ad-
Her acting credits include 15 movies and grateful every day for having them.” ■ At the age of fi rst acting role at the age of sev- vice: Follow your heart and follow
numerous appearances in shows ranging Matlin says she can’t imagine living 21, became the en, when she played Dorothy in a your spirit and your dreams will
from “CSI” and “Dancing with the Stars” to without her hearing aid. youngest actress Chicago stage production of The come true.
“Nip/Tuck” and “The West Wing”. She has “So when I hear of the thousands up- to win an Oscar “Wizard of Oz”. She was soon spot- “If you will it, it is not a dream,”
also authored two novels and an autobiog- on thousands of children who, for what- for best actress in ted by actor, director and producer she says. “Courage and determina-
raphy, titled “I’ll Scream Later”. ever reason, are unable to see a doctor, have a leading role, and Henry Winkler, who later became tion can overcome any barrier.”
their hearing tested or be able to buy a the only deaf ac- her mentor.
Competitive spirit hearing aid, I want to reach out and help,” tress to win this Although Matlin went on to be-
These days, Matlin is hard at work on “Ce- she says. “The Starkey Hearing Foundation award. come a highly successful actress,
lebrity Apprentice”, the television show provides a barrier-free environment for ■ Spokesperson her journey to fame and fortune
where contestants are given challenges children and adults in Third World coun- for the American was not without challenges.
that allow them to raise money for their tries and here in North America to have Red Cross “The challenges I faced were not
charity of choice while proving their busi- their hearing tested and to get hearing as a result of my ‘loss’ but because MARJO JOHNE
ness acumen. The winner gets a $250,000 aids. They are truly hearing angels.” of the barriers that people who [email protected]
A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet MAy 2011 · 9
insPiRAtiOn
dOn’t Miss!
■ Interpreters facilitate communi-
cation between parties who do not
share the same language or mode
of communication. Profession-
al sign language interpreters are
specifically trained in providing
this service when Deaf, deafened
or hard-of-hearing individuals are
present. Language barriers and dis-
criminatory attitudes have, in the
past, served to deny Deaf people ad-
equate access in all sectors of soci-
ety including health care, legal pro-
ceedings, education, training and
politics. As a result, Deaf people
have sometimes experienced a com-
promised quality of life. In recent
years our judicial system has af-
fi rmed, through the Supreme Court
of Canada, the rights of Deaf people
to be provided with professional
interpreting services to facilitate
their participation in various situ-
ations. In 2005 the Ontario govern-
ment, recognizing the historical
discrimination against persons who
have disabilities or who are Deaf,
passed the Accessibility for Ontar-
ians with Disabilities Act (AODA),
to develop, implement and enforce
1
accessibility standards in order to
achieve accessibility for people with
disabilities and for people who are
Deaf. Interpreting services are an
essential means to bridge the lin-
guistic and cultural diff erences be-
tween people who are Deaf and so-
ciety at large. Providing access may
call for the use of technologies such
as captioning services for those who
prefer to read written text or the use
of video or web cam conferencing
for individuals who live remotely in
addition to providing on-site inter-
preters. Diversity within the Deaf
community leads to the need for
fl exibility and respect for individ-
ual preferences when arranging for
services.
LESLEY ROACH
1-2. Interacting with a
child while on a mission director of Membership
trip to Africa. OAsli board
2 PHOTO: JACK JASON [email protected]
10 · MAy 2011 A speciAl Advertising feAture by MediAplAnet
EAR CARE
DON’T MISS!
Connor Quinn
Contributor,
Lifestyle Hearing TIP
BE CAREFUL
NOT TO BLAST
MUSIC OVER
YOUR HEAD-
PHONES
hear better—
and play better
■ Slowly but surely, people are
starting to prioritize hearing loss
in their personal healthcare hab-
its. Hearing loss is being recognized
as an important detriment to one’s
day-to-day life.
This is due to an increased
amount of information being made
available about hearing loss and
its consequences on family, so-
cial, and professional life. Hear-
ing loss is proven to negatively af-
fect relationships including mar-
riages, intimacy, income levels,
stress, anxiety, mental health and a
number of other areas in one’s life.
These eff ects may have fi nally con-
vinced people to fi nally stop yelling
“WHAT DID YOU SAY,” and instead
start fi xing their hearing.
A big lack of understanding
exists when it comes to hearing
and sports. Gordie Howe, the icon-
ic NHL Hall of Famer, recently cor-
rected his hearing, and declared
that if he knew how much clear-
er everything would be, he’d have
thought to tackle his hearing loss
while he was still playing— he real-
ized how much it had impacted his
playing.
The June 2005 cover story in Golf 1. Using cotton swabs to
Digest magazine by Peter Morrice, clean the inner ear is ill
advised.
entitled “The Search for Feel,” drew 2. Hearing plays a
a direct link between one’s hear- surprisingly large role in
1 2 sports performance.
ing capabilities and one’s perform-
ance on the course. According to
Morrice’s tests, normal hearing is Ear care: the general
necessary to fi nd what golfers call
a “feel” for the shot. The article is
constructed around several experi-
ments and stories of professional
and blind golfers who place hearing
do’s and don’ts
as the number-one sensory impres-
sion aff ecting their swing. “’When
it comes to drivers, sound domin-
ates what the player calls feel,” says
Matt Erickson, manager of prod-
uct analysis for Callaway. The arti-
cle went on to quote Arnold Palmer: ■ Question: How can you pre- “do not use house- ficient alternative. Researchers
“without my [hearing] aids…I lose vent unneccesary damange to have shown that it’s not only in-
hold objects or
all feel for what I want to do.” your inner ear canal? effective, but dangerous. Do not
Liam Maguire, Ottawa-based ■ Answer: by protecting your anything sharp...in waste your money or risk your
hockey analyst, tried Golf Digest’s ears from invasive cleaning met- health on such procedures.
an attempt to clean
experiments with a hockey stick hods, excessive noise, you can
in lieu of a golf club: “You just can’t maintain healthy hearing. the inner ear.” Keep it to a dull roar
handle the puck if you’re not able to People working in an environ-
hear it hitting the stick. It’s amaz- There are many ways to ment with noise above 70 decibels
ing how much hearing plays into prevent ear problems from Brittany Randall H.I.S should wear ear protectors such
Association of Hearing instrument
these basic capabilities.” occurring. practitioners of Ontario as ear muffs or ear plugs. At home
try to keep all volumes at a com-
Know your hearing history There are also many ways to cause al causing impaction. Do not use ear wax and excessive build-up fortable level especially the tele-
It’s not only about sports perform- damage to your ears if you don’t take household objects or anything sharp can occur. When there is a large vision, stereo, mp3 players, and
ance, but knowing how well one care of them properly. To clean the such as car keys, pens or pencils, amount of ear wax in the inner, radios. Periodic hearing evalua-
hears can be an important diag- outer ear, you should use a damp soft paper clips, toothpicks in an attempt softeners such as baby oil, mine- tions with your hearing special-
nostic indicator in the event of wash cloth, alcohol based wipes, or to clean the inner ear. ral oil or olive oil can be used sa- ist should also be scheduled, espe-
head injuries. Recent studies in a cotton swab such as a Q-tip. Have ■ Ear Wax: A small amount of ear fely to help loosen the wax. If the cially when buzzing, also known
the Journal of Neurotrauma tell you ever noticed that the side of Q- wax is healthy to have in the ear ca- use of softeners proves ineffective as tinnitus, is occurring in the ear.
us that hearing impairment is one Tips brand boxes specifi cally say nal. Ear wax is naturally produced to in reducing the amount of excess Ear care doesn’t have to be in-
of the subtle and often unnoticed that you should not put the cot- protect your eardrum from potenti- wax, an appointment with your vasive and is pretty much as easy
defi cits after a concussion. This ton swab inside your ear canal? You al hazards such as unwanted bacte- hearing specialist or physician as breathing. Speak to your hear-
is important to athletes who play should ONLY use the Q-tip for the ria, insects, and water. However, so- to have the excess wax removed ing care professional if you have
contact sports such as hockey, outer ear. If inserted in the canal it metimes the pores in the ear canal should be made. Ear Candling also any concerns about how to best
football, or lacrosse. The problem may push wax further into the can- don’t know when to stop producing known as ear coning is not an ef- take care of your ears!
is that hearing professionals don’t
usually have a baseline of hear-
Can hearing loss be cured?
ing sensitivity for a given athlete.
Without a pre-trauma hearing as-
sessment, audiologists and phys-
icians have no essential informa-
tion to determine whether the Will regenerative medicine “it is estimated that Since then, scientists from all over the
head injury has contributed to a provide a cure for hearing approximately 70 world, including those at the Sunny-
post-trauma hearing loss, which loss? brook Research Institute have been
percent of canadians
might be important in determin- exploring and understanding these
ing the extent of any brain dam- Unfortunately hearing loss associat- over the age of 70 will mechanisms and cellular pathways
age sustained. It is up to teams, ed with aging, excessive noise expos- have... hearing loss.” with the hope that this ability can be
coaches, and trainers to advocate ure and ototoxic medications cannot triggered in deafened humans thus
for assessments and the prop- be restored. It is estimated that ap- Vincent Lin MD FRCSC providing a potential cure for hear-
Assistant Professor, Associate Scientist Oto-
er safety measures to avoid head proximately 70 percent of Canadians ing loss. There has been some recent-
laryngology/Head & Neck Surgeon
trauma in the fi rst place. over the age of 70 will have signifi cant Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Faculty ly published success from the Univer-
of Medicine,
The significance of hearing sensorineural hearing loss. However, sity of Michigan in regenerating audi-
health hasn’t made it all the way to sensorineural hearing loss is also be- tory hair cells in deafened guinea pigs
the world of sports just yet. How- coming more prevalent in younger within the cochlea and is perma- interpreted. by viral manipulation. Currently one
ever with the help of influen- individuals usually from excessive nent in humans. These hair cells con- In the late 1980’s scientists discov- area that auditory regeneration scien-
tial studies and respected spokes- noise exposure from personal lis- vert energy of the sounds we hear ered that birds that were deafened tists are extremely excited about in-
people, it soon will. All it takes is for tening devices, clubs, and concerts. into distinct nerve signals that trav- from excessive noise had the abil- volves the manipulation of adult stem
someone like Gordie Howe to say, Sensorineural hearing loss is the re- el along the auditory nerve and into ity to regenerate these hair cells and cells as a potential method to regener-
“Don’t wait like I did.” sult of death of auditory hair cells the centres of the brain where it is furthermore recover their hearing. ate new auditory hair cells.